MASSIVE GENERAL STRIKE IN PARAGUAY COMES TO AN END (TRANSLATION)

This translation comes from an article published at BBC Mundo. Read the original in Spanish here.

MASSIVE GENERAL STRIKE IN PARAGUAY COMES TO AN END

With a closing event in the central square, in front of the national parliament in the Paraguayan capital, a massive general strike that paralysed the country this Wednesday concluded.

The stoppage was called for by groups of farm workers and unions who are demanding a salary increase, agrarian reform and a reduction of public transport ticket prices.

Despite government warnings that unrest could ensue, the strike was carried out without incident.

The president of Paraguay, Horacio Cartes, called for dialogue, in response to the workers’ demands.

The strike had strong support, estimated by the organisers at 80% of their membership, and created heavy congestion in Asuncion.

Many of those protesting in the streets were rural farmers from other parts of the country, who were demanding more equitable distribution of wealth.

According to BBC Mundo Southern Cone journalist Veronica Smink, the Paraguayan economy is one of the fastest growing in the region over recent years but it continues to be one of the most unequal in the world.